Q: How do I register for courses?
A: All registration is done through the IPAI Student Portal. If you do not have a Student Portal account, please request one today.
Q: When does registration close?
A: Registration for most courses closes one week before the beginning of class. Some training events have earlier deadlines. Check the Student Portal for exact dates.
Q: Can I drop or transfer courses after registration closes?
A: Any changes to enrollment after registration closes will result in a $250 administrative fee. See the IPAI Academic Policies for more details.
Q: Do we get breaks during the course?
A: One-day and two-day in-person courses have 15-minute breaks mid-morning and mid-afternoon with a one-hour break for lunch. Online virtual courses also have 15-minute breaks depending on the duration of the course.
Q: When will course credit and exam results be posted to my Student Portal profile?
A: Credit and exam results are posted within seven business days after the conclusion of the course. See the IPAI Academic Policies for more details.
Q: Is it possible to take my exam in-person?
A: In-person exams are only available at the State Conference and regional conferences. Exams for qualifying courses and workshops must be taken online through the IPAI Exam Center.
Q: I’m taking an exam in-person at a conference. What should I bring with me?
A: You should bring a pencil and a calculator for in-person exams. The IPAI will have a few extras on-hand if you forget. Phones are not allowed to be used as calculators.
Q: Does the IPAI have a discounted hotel block where I am taking my course?
A: Hotel blocks are only provided for State Conference, Legal Symposium, and our regional conferences. Check the State Conference or individual regional conference pages of the website for details. Attendees are responsible for securing their own hotel reservations.
Q: What kind of technology do I need to take a virtual course?
A: The IPAI has established Technology Requirements for all online virtual courses. Web cams must be on during all virtual courses. Students must blur their background, use a virtual background native to the Zoom platform, use a plain wall, or use an IPAI provided background. See the IPAI Academic Policies for more details.
Q: When taking an online course, do I have to be in my office?
A: If taking the virtual course in the workplace, students are expected to be in a private office, conference room, or other secluded location to prevent distractions. Students taking virtual courses at home are also expected to be in a room free of other people and potential distractions to themselves or others. Other locations such as a private room in a local library are also acceptable. Students may not connect to the virtual classroom environment while driving or in a motor vehicle. See the IPAI Academic Policies for more details.
Q: I am taking the Qualifying Series of core courses. Do I need to take them in any particular order?
A: No. However, if you are new to the world of property assessment, we recommend taking “Introduction to Assessment in Illinois” first followed by “Property Valuation,” and then “Basics of Mass Appraisal.” “Ethics for New Assessment Professionals” can be taken anytime.